I recently discovered that my contribution to the Roth was well over the allowable (The Motley Fool's Investment Tax Guide 2000). For the past 3 years, I have annually contributed $2000.00. My wife and I have been filing separate returns, therefore, I have excessively contributed $6000.00. My wife's accountant states that if I withdraw my account, I will have to pay a 6% penality on the $6000.00 contributed and a 10% penality will be applied to any gains because of the early withdrawal violation. My questions are as follows?1) Can I leave these funds in the Roth until early withdrawal will not be a factor (say 8 years), thereby avoiding the 10% penality to be accessed to any capital gains? 2) If indeed 1) is permissable, will I only be penalized 6% of the invested $6000.00 at the end of 8 years? 3) Can I continue to contribute to the Roth knowing full well that I will only be penalized 6% for overpayment if I allow the Roth to mature?